Page 4
November 2010
She Said
he Said
Food Fight
At this particular restaurant, we were given two rolls. You picked up a roll first because I am a gentleman and ladies goes first. I chose the second roll, which was quite fresh, soft and delicious I might add. I saw that you took one bite and put your roll down and stopped eating. When I asked what was wrong, you said the roll was too hard to eat. I immediately asked the waiter to bring you another roll and when he did, he apologized profusely and later the owner came over, apologized, and brought us another basket of rolls. He explained to us that if customers don't point out the problems, the restaurant can't correct them. On the way home I didn't hear you complaining about my decision to ask for a soft, fresh roll, which by the way, you had no problem consuming. Without my bringing this to the owner and waiter’s attention, you would not have had fresh bread and the owner would never have known why you almost lost a tooth. Your reasoning is that I am just a complainer with nothing to do except harass the help and vie for the owner’s attention. I have run a retail store and the only way you can correct bad situations is if you know about them. I know I embarrass you sometimes when I complain and send food back. You think of me as a troublemaker. I figure I am a hero and am worshiped as a great quality control expert for every restaurant in town. Most of the waiters are climbing all over each other trying to serve at my table. I have never left less than 20% tip, if I receive quality service and most of the servers know it. As a matter of fact, it would not surprise me if some of the managers are trying to beat the wait staff to my table so they can wait on me.
by Larry Oldham
by Dena Hill
We were in Chapel Hill last month checking on sites for a wedding rehearsal dinner (not for us, for my son). We ordered dinner in the restaurant and Larry’s meal was not quite done to his satisfaction. He does this in almost every restaurant we visit. His food is either too cold or too hot-- like one of the three bears in Goldilocks. Sometimes he doesn't have enough ice in his drink; his fries are overcooked; it took too long to receive his food; the server brought his food before he finished his salad. I've seen him make a mental note of when the next people are seated and heaven help us if they are served before he is. The list just goes on and on. If I'm not satisfied with something, I just chalk it up to an off-night and keep quiet, but not him. In fact, at most of our favorite restaurants, the wait staff will run to take their breaks, when they see him charging through the door. I have thought about going in while he is parking the car, finding a table, ordering my food, and eating my appetizer before he comes in, just so I won't be associated with all his peccadilloes. Just kidding, but he does seem to demand perfect food and service in the classier restaurants. He expects impeccable service, food cooked exactly the way he likes it, and even though he does not demand it, he does like for the manager to come by our table so he can complain. He seldom complains at fast food restaurants. Don't get me wrong; he can be very complimentary to the wait staff for a job well done, to the manager if the food is cooked right, and he even tells the manager and wait staff to give his compliments to the chef. That happens once or twice a year. All of this sure is a pity because he really is a sweet guy. This doesn't mean that restaurants are the only places he complains though; he complains about many things, but I am sure if you read this column each month, you already know about that. By the way, if you're looking for me, I'll be under the table.
She said He said
He Said / She Said can be seen in Showcase Magazine.
Christy Millner
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